Noun

1. The act of waiving, or not insisting on, some right, claim, or privilege.
2. A legal document releasing some requirement, such as waiving a right (giving it up) or a waiver of liability (agreeing to hold someone blameless). Also used for such a form even before it is filled out and signed.

   I had to sign a waiver when I went skydiving, agreeing not to sue even if something went wrong.

3. Something that releases a person from a requirement.

   I needed a waiver from the department head to take the course because I didn't technically have the prerequisite courses.

   I needed a waiver from the zoning board for the house because the lot was so small, but they let me build because it was next to the park.

Usage notes

• Sometimes used in puns involving wavering about waivers, the noun, especially in newspaper headlines for sports stories.